If you were on Long Island I would swear we had the same 2 surgeons. Your experience mirrors mine almost identically. Although both doctors said that they can not definitively say that Legg-Perthes is genetic. They actually said that they really don't know what sets it off other than the obvious lack of blood flow. Someone even mentioned that sometimes in a larger litter the blood flow could be pinched en utero. Farrah was one of a litter of 5.
Levi will do great. No worries.
BTW, I contacted the breeder and she said "if it were genetic more of her pups would have it. This is the 1st time in 12 years a puppy has had LPD from her dogs." Also got very defensive almost like she was going to bite my head off. Yikes!
And she is a very well-known and respected breeder...even fellow YT'rs know her.

Isn't that "old" to develop LPD? The research I did said usually between 6 and 10 months of age is when you realize LPD.

Good luck to little Levi.

I believe diagnosis is usually between 6 and 12 months is the norm, but can be as late as 16 months depending on the initial severity of the disease and quickness of progression.
It also like what is out there right now on liver shunts says it may be genetic but other factors can cause it. One being trauma to the area, lack of blood flow due to maternal factors, etc. But the general consensus is that in purebred dogs, especially Yorkies, they are both genetic and parents of an affected pup should be spayed and neutered, as should all of their offspring IMO.

Did your breeder stand behind her pup and refund the money you spent on her or pay for the surgery?

He did have it sooner, but it was off and on for a long time, then got progessively worse, I took him to the vet two months ago, and he had the x -ray. The vet suggested I wait to see if it gets worse. At that time he was still using his leg about half the time. Now he rarely uses it. Meanwhile I have researched and feel that the surgery should be done.

I think he was around 9 months when he started limping occasionally.

My breeder is replacing the puppy. I did not ask for any money to cover the expenses, since it is not proven that it is genetic.

I'll just be happy to have a happy, playful, pain free little guy again. :)

I've also read that it can happen during the birthing process because the breeder pulled too hard on the legs during birth, again, it would seem to be the breeder obligation. A good breeder, I believe, would pay for surgery up to the cost of the puppy, and still give you a new dog, if that's what you wanted.

Not a chance. Like I said, she was very defensive like it was a personal attack on her when I mentioned that LPD can be genetic. Her very first response was "Give the dog back" very nastily also. I hadn't said anything other than the fact that Farrah had LPD and needed surgery and that I felt so awful for this baby. She had gotten spayed the month before the LPD diagnosis. Give me a break.
What do you think that means when she said "give the dog back"? I am not giving the dog back and not giving up on this pup. Very aggressive woman and in no way am I giving the dog back. Nor did that idea ever cross my mind.
I find it terrible that she is respected in the yorkie world. She is even a YTCA recommended breeder.:eek: I was referred to her by someone and about 5 people in my neighborhood have a dog from her.

I'm going to post a thread about the puppy selection and what happened. Can you all post your thoughts on it?

The good news is that Farrah is getting her stitches out today and can't wait to run & jump. She is doing wonderfully. :)

Hi Nancy. It seems again I was mislead to believe my breeder was good. I thought I did good research. Most by referrals and YTCA. And people here at YT didn't have anything negative posted about her so I thought it was enough. Couple that with her being local I didn't mind spending the $2k price tag. I was also nervous about the stress shipping a puppy can cause.

That is what is hard with finding a breeder. Did you get a health guarantee in writing? If so it should cover congenital defects and I will tell you that most if not all board certified orthopedic veterinary surgeons and vets will sign a statement to the fact that it is indeed congenital especially at that age. I would fight harder and press the breeder. She is responsible for the puppies she produces, plain and simple. If she was recommended on here and is a YTCA member you should complain to the higher ups there also and post here also under the breeder review. Do not just let this be, as that happens all too often and people need to know. That is how the recommendations keep coming, by people not standing up.

I hope she mends fast. I am looking forward to getting Levi's done on Thursday but very nervous also.

I agree that the breeder should take responsibility and either replace the pup or pay the bills.

On the other hand, the buyer also assumes responsibility for that puppy when they buy it and to give it back, or turn it over to a rescue is to shirk their responsibility also.

The main concern for all parties involved should be the care and welfare of the dog.

In ourfrstyorkies case, she wants a healthy happy pet, since this is a fixable condition, the breeder should pay for the surgery. In my case I want a dog that I can breed, so the breeder should replace the dog.

JMO

Glad Farrah is recovering, and doing well. As so many others have stated, a good breeder stands behind their breeding, and this means so much more than "replacing" the puppy. Who is willing to give a puppy back, and what would the breeder do with it? I believe that all breeders should return the cost of the dog, and still allow you to keep the dog. I mean the breeder should be thrilled you are willing to keep the dog. I've read of this happening here before and the breeder only wanted to replace the puppy, and when someone wrote a review, the negative comments changed the breeders mind, and she did end up paying some part for the surgery, but only when her arm was twisted. So a review is always a good idea, while it may not change the breeders mind, at least others will be informed.

Those are very good points. I will have to think long and hard about what my review will say. My husband asked me the same thing...what is she going to do with a dog that has been spayed and is need of surgery? He was afraid she would put the pup down. That was not a concern of course because we love her and would never take the easy way out, so to speak, and give up on her.
If I was going to give up it would have been from the mind numbing process that is housebreaking this little lady. :p
Did you get a chance to see the thread about the puppy selection process?

I don't know who your breeder is:

1. Leggs Perthes can be congenital, different views on it. Or it can be caused during the whelping process. Hind leggs coming first, the breeder pulling the legs. Either way, it is the breeder's responsibility. Surgery/medical expenses should be covered by the breeder.

2. You mentioned YTCA; not sure if the breeder is a member or not. If this is a member, then file a complaint with YTCA. Include said name of breeder, what you paid for the pup and copy of your medical bills. Send it to the YTCA Secretary and President. This would carry more weight than a YT breeder review.

Yes, she is a YTCA member. Thank you for the information. I will certainly be filing a complaint. I do not believe she is a YT'r though. Thanks again.

Well, i just felt to share an experience with you ...
about 10 years ago... maybe 11 , i bought this male from a very reputable" ??? " breeder , or so i thought , and he came to me at 7.5 months old, show prospect .... i do not like to stud before 16 months anyways, just me, and i am glad i did not because he also started showing LP signs at 14 months old... to make a very long story short... the so reputable breeder offered to replace him after so much arguing but i had a very strong feeling after talking to her vet she was going to just put him down. The vet did not spell it out in plain words , but suggested that is the way his client usually "took care of this type of problem" , which also led me to assume this was not the first time Lp had shown on her lines and she knew... anyways. My husband and i swallowed our losses as she would only replace him if we returned the little guy ... we lost all we paid for him and my regular vet did the surgery for 850.00 at the time... very long time ago, i believe it is way more now. He was back on his feet just a few weeks after and he now lives a healthy happy pet life with a new family we found him... and that is the end. We never felt sorry for it .
I really hope your breeder is really a nice one and things work out better for you than they did for me.
But if my bad experience brings you any kind of help it was worthy sharing.
Blessings.
XOXO

There is pros and cons on Leggs Perthes being genetic. Clinical signs on the average are between 7 and 9 months of age.

I don't know if you've been in contact with the breeder since you first informed her of the situation. I suggest you try one more time, if she doesn't respond favorably again, then go with the alternative. I might even inform her what your next step will be. However, that is entirely up to you.

Hi All, Im looking for a vet that can check my yorkie for his Knee Cap promble. He is such a trooper and not even 1yr yet. He gets around fine, my vet said it is early stages? but Im still so worried about my Tico :( If anyone knows a great Dr. in Baltimore MD area it would be a big help, Thanks from my baby Tico

Someone might know a vet in your area and post it. In the meantime, you might want to do a search for a board certified orthopedic surgeon: www.acvs.org

Thank you for info., I checked out website and found someone to take him to. Im very worried about Tico, and I hope they can help. Thanks again, 1 worried yorkie mom.

Thank you for sharing that. I have no doubt that she will replace him. I don't know why your breeder would insist on you giving yours back. Like you said what are they going to do with a dog they cannot breed. IMO a breeder should be greatful when the buyer keeps them.

So sorry to hear about your baby having this disease. (and everyone else too). I don't have first hand experience with it but have heard that surgeries are very successful. Wish you luck with your little one...:D

I share the same opinion, if the buyer wants to keep the disabled puppy ... and that was a show breeder with many many champions at the time... i felt like they wanted just to "erase" the history of the Lp puppy ... but again, we took our losses and never felt sorry.
I am glad your experience is so different .
XOXO

Thank you all for sharing some of your storys and support about LP, I will keep everyone posted on Tico's out come. We have an appointment next week, and then we will go from there with his long care:animal-pa. Thanks again, Tico and his mom Yvonne

Levi goes in for his surgery this morning. I'm pretty nervous.

Jeanie, I'm sending prayers for you and Levi. I've been following this thread and hoping for the best for him. Please let us know when you hear something.

Bonny

Thank You

Good Luck Lil Levi! I know you will do just great!!! You'll be pain-free soon!

The vet is very nice and takes the time to explain everything. He is going to try to go in through the groin area if possible. he said it depends on how far he can extend his leg to the side. But doing it that way would cause less damage to the the muscle and save from having to shave off his long hair.

He's going to call around noon to let me know holw it went.

Thinking of you and hoping for the best outcome